In an escalating scrutiny of tech mogul Elon Musk’s connections with foreign leaders, two senior Democratic senators have requested a federal investigation into Musk’s contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The move follows reports that the SpaceX CEO has held regular discussions with the Russian leader, potentially raising questions regarding his role in federal contracts, given the security risks associated with adversarial foreign relations.
The request for a federal probe, led by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), addresses potential conflicts in Musk’s dual role as a government contractor and a figure reportedly engaged in diplomatic conversations with high-ranking Russian officials.
SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, holds multibillion-dollar contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Space Force’s National Security Space program. Such contracts require high levels of security clearance and trust, which Reed and Shaheen argue could be compromised by Musk’s alleged foreign interactions.
In their letter, sent Friday to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Pentagon, the senators expressed concern over Musk’s “reliability as a government contractor and a clearance holder.” They noted that SpaceX’s technologies, including the Starlink satellite internet system, are integral to U.S. defence and intelligence operations. Any unauthorised foreign contacts by Musk, the letter argues, could endanger national security. Reed and Shaheen’s concerns focus on the fact that communication between high-security clearance holders and foreign officials is strictly monitored, and the risk of compromised information is substantial.
The call for investigation follows an exposé by The Wall Street Journal last month, alleging that Musk and Putin have held various discussions since late 2022, covering both personal matters and broader geopolitical situation. According to the report, these conversations sometimes included other high-ranking Russian officials, such as Sergei Kiriyenko, Putin’s first deputy chief of staff. In one exchange, Putin reportedly requested that Musk refrain from activating Starlink over Taiwan, ostensibly to favour Chinese interests, specifically for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
These reports highlight a sensitive period for the Pentagon, which has grown increasingly concerned over Russia’s space ambitions. Citing an anti-satellite weapon launched by Moscow in May, Reed and Shaheen noted in their letter that any associations with Russia at this stage could prove “detrimental to U.S. national security.” Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed a launch involving a spacecraft but denied the U.S. claims about it being a weapon.
The senators also referenced the DOJ’s recent seizure of 32 internet domains used by Russian intelligence agents to gather data on American citizens, implicating Russian officials, including Kiriyenko, in an attempt to breach U.S. cyber defences. In the context of Musk’s contact with Russian leadership, the senators argue these incidents point to a larger trend of escalating Russian intelligence activity against the U.S., where interactions with key American figures could play a role in sensitive information leaks.
A spokesperson for the DOJ confirmed receipt of the letter but did not provide additional comments. The Pentagon has yet to respond publicly.
The investigation call further complicates Musk’s position as he takes on a role within President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Trump recently appointed Musk, alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a “Department of Government Efficiency,” aimed at reducing governmental costs and reforming federal agency structures. This position could see Musk working closely with the same agencies that have contracts with SpaceX and his electric vehicle company, Tesla. Ethics experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in Musk’s dual capacities, with some noting that his connections to foreign governments could intensify these challenges.
Despite these concerns, analysts suggest Musk’s advisory role may encounter significant obstacles, given its limited authority to implement any substantial reforms directly. Congress, which must approve any major budgetary reductions, remains divided, with a narrow Republican majority in the House and an inability to bypass the filibuster in the Senate.
Musk’s public profile has grown markedly in recent years, especially as he has allied himself closely with Trump, appearing at campaign events and recently visiting the President-elect’s residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. This allegiance has added a layer of complexity to his involvement in government matters, especially as he becomes more embedded within Trump’s political sphere.
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